Road Worrier: Dropping The Hammer

By
Billy Lee Lewis

Originally published in the February 2008 issue of DRUM! Magazine

One of the innumerable entries of rock lore tells us of a clear-cut
case in which a bandleader was able to guiltlessly “fire”
two intimate associates in one fell swoop. The incident took place when
his dim-witted guitarist showed up in the studio wearing one of the
bandleader’s favorite T-shirts. Good-bye guitarist; ditto, wife.
Although surely not an emotional decision, it was certainly
justified.

Often our reasons for dismissal are fairly ironclad
(though hopefully not as traumatizing). Among them are: inebriation,
shirking of responsibilities (gear loading, punctuality, learning parts,
an so on.), disruptive behavior, or basically anything that can
potentially capsize the already precarious vessel of a touring band.
Occasionally (yet more awkwardly), the conditions under which we must
let someone go are a bit more gray. How, exactly, do we sack someone who
has played their heart out, been on time, caused no trouble, in short,
are guilty of only one insurmountable crime — they suck. Okay,
maybe they don’t suck, but they’re inarguably holding the
band back.

I believe, in all cases, if a band member has
sufficient redeeming qualities (and they must have had at one time
— after all, they got in the band, right?), they’re worth a
few talkings-to. Ideally, the member closest to the guilty party should
attempt this. Other candidates include the most diplomatic member, or
the bandleader. Full-band interventions can make a person thorny and
defensive.

Having been in this position (both sides, I’m
afraid), I’ve found that a private, non-confrontational broaching
of the problem achieves the best results. Make every effort to come from
a place of friendship, so as not to be construed as “the
messenger.” Let the person know how important they are to the
band, and perhaps gently offer a few tips on how they might improve
their role. With each subsequent discussion, impart a little more
clearly how troubling their transgressions have become.

I’ve found three to be the limit — after that, jettison
their dead ass. By this time it’s clear they either can’t
cut it or don’t give a damn. And if you’ve exhausted every
approach, then you’ve more than done your part. By this time, if
the party in question hasn’t made sufficient efforts to carry his
or her weight in the band, then, as surely as holding onto a drowning
victim in a rescue attempt, they’ll pull you all down with
them.